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“When you look at me you would never realize that I suffer from a laundry list of disorders.

In the summer going into my freshman year of college, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, a specified learning disability in Mathematics, as well as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Many nights I would consider ending my life or harming myself. I thought that this would be better than the life I was currently in. Due to my parents divorce, constantly being put in the middle, physical and emotional abuse, and an imbalance of chemicals in my brain, I began to develop these disorders.

Each and every day I struggle with these things and it is often very hard for other people to understand.

If you or someone you know is currently suffering from mental illnesses, understand that even though you may never be 'cured', there are so many ways to deal with them, or with some of the resources that are out there. See a therapist, meditate, take more walks outside, take some time to yourself, listen to music, do some yoga.

You might think that these things won’t compare to the way that you are feeling, and I am not saying that it does, but just by doing some of these activities, you can take some time to self-reflect and understand your own feelings without the many distractions of life. Keep on thriving!”

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Story and Photo By: Robyn Lane, Elon University Campus Representative